Senior Pet Care: How a Veterinary Specialist can Help

As your pets age, their needs change, and providing them with the best possible care becomes increasingly important. Just like humans, senior pets require specialized attention to ensure that these years are filled with care and comfort. Through consistent check-ups with your primary care veterinarian and appointments with a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist, you can recognize and address any health conditions in your senior pets early on.

These are some of the ways that veterinary specialists can make a difference in your pet’s overall wellbeing as they age.

Veterinary Cardiologists

Cardiovascular health is crucial for senior pets, as heart diseases become more common with age. Veterinary Cardiologists are specialists trained to diagnose and treat heart conditions in animals. They can help manage heart diseases, such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular diseases, through advanced diagnostics, medication, and surgery. Regular visits to a Veterinary Cardiologist can ensure early detection and treatment, enhancing your senior pet's overall quality of life.

Large Animal Internal Medicine Specialists

For senior large animals, such as horses, alpacas, pigs, cattle and more, Large Animal Internal Medicine Specialists are essential. These specialists diagnose and treat internal diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory issues. They can also help manage metabolic diseases like equine Cushing's disease or metabolic syndrome. Regular check-ups with Large Animal Internal Medicine Specialists are crucial to maintaining your animal’s health as they age.

Veterinary Neurologists

Senior pets are susceptible to neurological issues, which can affect their mobility and cognitive functions. Veterinary Neurologists are experts in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, spinal conditions, and brain tumors. They use specialized techniques like MRI and CT scans to provide accurate diagnoses and offer treatment options, including surgery or medication, to improve your senior pet's neurological health.

Veterinary Oncologists

Cancer is a concern for pets of all ages, but senior pets are at a higher risk. Veterinary Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer in animals using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal of tumors. Early detection and a personalized treatment plan from a Veterinary Oncologist can greatly improve your senior pet's prognosis and life expectancy.

Veterinary Nutritionists

As pets age, their nutritional needs change. Veterinary Nutritionists are experts in creating customized diet plans to meet the specific requirements of senior pets. They consider factors such as weight management, preexisting conditions, and addressing age-related health issues. A well-balanced diet prescribed by a Veterinary Nutritionist can help prevent obesity, manage chronic conditions, and support your senior pet's overall wellbeing.

Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialists

Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of complex internal conditions in smaller animals, like dogs and cats. They address issues such as kidney disease, pancreatic disease, and thyroid disorders, which often become more prevalent in senior pets. Through their expertise, they can develop individualized treatment plans to manage these conditions and improve your senior pet's quality of life.

Consult with your primary veterinarian for their input on when your senior pet should visit a specialist. With the help of veterinary specialty medicine, you can enhance your pet's quality of life, allowing them to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.